What is the term for when the government seizes someone's property?

The term for when the government seizes someone's property is "condemnation." This process typically occurs when the government takes private property for public use, often under the authority of eminent domain. In such cases, the property owner is usually compensated for the value of the property taken, ensuring a legal and fair process. The concept of condemnation is essential in real estate and public policy as it balances individual property rights with the needs of the community for infrastructure and development.

While other terms like court-ordered partitioning, escheat, and regulatory taking relate to property rights, they describe different legal situations. Court-ordered partitioning involves the division of property among co-owners. Escheat refers to the process where unclaimed property reverts to the state. Regulatory taking describes situations where government regulation limits property use to the extent that it effectively deprives the owner of its economic value without it being a formal seizure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for mastering concepts in real estate appraisal and property law.